The Delhi High Court on Thursday directed the National Investigation Agency to respond to a petition filed by Jammu and Kashmir MP Engineer Rashid, who is contesting the trial court’s decision to frame charges against him in a terror funding case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
A division bench consisting of Justice Vivek Chaudhary and Justice Shalinder Kaur has called for the trial court’s records and scheduled the hearing for October 6.
Case History
Earlier this year, in May, a different bench issued notices regarding delays in filing Rashid’s appeal. At that time, the court also considered his regular bail plea.
The High Court also took up petitions filed by Rashid challenging the financial penalties imposed on him by the trial court. These fines were levied when he was granted parole to attend Parliament sessions from July 24 to August 4. In addition, Rashid requested interim bail to attend parliamentary proceedings.
He also sought modification of a previous order from March 25, which required him to deposit about ₹4 lakh with jail authorities to obtain permission to appear in Parliament.
Reassignment Of Petitions
The court observed that since the conditions were imposed by a particular bench, it would be appropriate for the same bench to hear the related petitions. Consequently, these petitions have been referred to a bench led by Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani, pending approval by the Chief Justice.
It is worth noting that the earlier coordinate bench included Justice Chandra Dhari Singh, who has now been transferred to the Allahabad High Court.
About Engineer Rashid’s Detention
Engineer Rashid, elected from the Baramulla constituency in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, has been in custody at Tihar Jail since 2019. The NIA arrested him in connection with a terror funding case dating back to 2017 under the UAPA.
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